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Criminology (Policing) BA Honours

Overview

“I particularly enjoyed working closely with the academics who have an extraordinary knowledge and previous applied experiences.”
Jack Bourne, BA (Hons) Policing (Please note: this course has now changed to BA Criminology (Policing))

The police are a key agent within criminal justice and our degree, taught by leading academics, studies policing in-depth. You will use insights from our internationally renowned research to inform your studies.

Why study BA Criminology (Policing) at Middlesex?

Our criminology degree was one of the first in the world and our department continues to produce internationally revered research to investigate models of crime. You will gain specialist expertise in policing through studying this fascinating strand of criminology, which can also fast track your entry into the police force. Policing is a complex and intricate process that requires you to learn the political, social and economic contexts that impact its effectiveness, and investigate the many forms of criminal activity from white collar crime to gang culture.

You may have already worked in the criminal justice system, or be keen to pursue a career within the police, or a related field.

Course highlights:

Our links with the Metropolitan and Hertfordshire police enable us to 'fast track' applications into the Special Constabulary: currently the only entry point into the police service

Our excellent links with employers in the criminal justice system have led to prestigious placement opportunities, to build vital professional experience within the criminal justice system

Our leading academics provide a supportive learning environment, helping you to achieve the best possible academic results

You will study at the centre of new criminology research, ensuring you graduate with knowledge of the latest developments in criminal justice.

Did you know?

Course Content

What will you study?

You will study the role of the police as a controlling mechanism and critically examine the models used to: preserve law and order; detect and reduce crime; engage with the community; and examine the function of the police at a local, national and international level.

You will learn to understand the intricacies of the criminal justice system and discover how different agencies such as the police, probation service, courts and prisons interact. Because our degree offers a theoretical approach to policing, you will develop a strategic understanding of its systems, placing you one step ahead in your career.

What will you gain?

You will develop research skills that will enable you to analyse a range of publications in both print and digital from within government criminal justice agencies and other informed organisations.

You will develop advanced analytical skills that will enable you to critically evaluate a wide range of materials including theory and policies, strategies, and operational plans.

You will develop excellent awareness of how policy is created, interpreted and implemented, and how this informs society. You will also be able to draw on a wide range of criminological theories and concepts in order to develop a debate or discussion and to justify your conclusions.

Year 1

Crime and Control in Social Context
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

The objective of this module is to introduce students to a number of key criminological concepts and issues. More specifically, it aims to introduce students to: a key factors that influence official definitions and societal perceptions of crime and deviance; b the differing involvement of identifiable social groups in crime and deviance; c the differing levels of victimisation amongst such groups, and c the main reasons behind these differences. Also, the module aims to introduce students to sources of information on crime, deviance and victimisation and to a number of specific types of crimes.

Explaining Crime
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

This module is designed to introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives that have emerged in the discipline of Criminology over the past 200 - 300 years and enable students to apply these theories to concrete examples of crime. It considers how historical context, political influence and basic philosophical differences on such questions as what it is to be human have influenced the development of criminological perspectives. It will introduce students to the academic research that underpins different theories and help them to understand the key arguments and reflect upon the relative merits of each theory through engagement with relevant literature.

This module will instruct students on the skills required to undertake an undergraduate degree in either sociology or criminology, and on the basic components of social science research. A main component of this module will be a year-long research project, where students will be asked to explore the social profile of their own communities, by exploring ONS-census and Met Police data, as well as other relevant sources. Students are required to build a profile of their community and in doing so will develop key research and academic skills required to complete their degree. Many of these skills will have relevance beyond their degree, and will be attractive to future employers.

This module provides an introduction for first year sociology and criminology students to the study of contemporary society. The module engages key issues and debates that constitute the subject matter, while introducing students to the themes and perspectives that inform social inquiry. Students will also engage with core approaches to understanding contemporary society and the social relations that comprise it.

Year 2

Criminology in Late Modernity
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

This module introduces students to recent developments in criminological theory and research. As well as familiarising you with a substantial range of contemporary theoretical perspectives in criminology it will introduce you to central themes and substantive concerns central to current criminological research. In particular, we'll focus on the consequences of globalisation and neoliberal politics on patterns of crime and social control in the Global North, looking at issues such as: terrorism, state crime, cybercrime and environmental crime.

Policing
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

Institutions of Criminal Justice
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

This module provides an introduction to key criminal justice institutions and agencies and an understanding of contemporary criminal justice issues. The main focus of the module is on the criminal justice system in England and Wales, though other material is drawn upon for European and international comparative purposes. At the end of the module students should be familiar with recent and current policy issues and debates relating to the different criminal justice institutions, such as pluralised policing and the extended police family, contemporary crime investigation, sentencing in the criminal courts, and reform of the prison and probation systems.

Approaches to Research in the Social Sciences
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

The module aims to develop students evaluative abilities regarding quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as well as to introduce them to the underlying philosophical and ethical principles of social research. It aims to make clear the links between theory, method and data, to define what data is within different research paradigms and the various ways of generating and analysing it, and to understand and critique published research. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness and critique of secondary sources. The module also aims to prepare students for the development of a proposal for their final year dissertation project. Throughout the module students will apply the various components of research methods to the specific subject of the programme they are studying.

Year 3

Dissertation
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

This module aims to synthesise learning from the criminology programmes of study, providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth, in accordance with the Criminology Benchmark Statement. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, and the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest on which they wish to undertake an in-depth study. They will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study. Further, students in criminology will have criminology specific dissertation workshops to support their independent study; and formative assessments during the dissertation year to assist with the development and completion of the dissertation.

Homicide and Serious Crime Investigation
(30 Credits)
- Compulsory

Integrated Learning and Work Placement
(30 Credits)
- Optional

Special Constabulary
(30 Credits)
- Optional

Violent Crime
(30 Credits)
- Optional

This module aims to discuss
the dynamics of interpersonal violence and its control, with an additional
focus on the links between sex and violence. Together we'll learn about the
social and spatial parameters of violent crime; the possible causes and
explanations for why violent crime happens (are we born violent or do we learn
how to be violent?); theoretical and layperson perspectives on violence; the
forms that violence can take; and how violence can be gendered. Current prison forensic psychologists will
also help you to understand how violent, and sexually violent, offenders are
managed within the prison environment.

Organised and White Collar Crime
(30 Credits)
- Optional

This module will introduce students to the critical debates on Organised Crime and Corporate Offenders. They also become acquainted with the issues of defining these areas of criminality and the problems of conducting meaningful research. The module will begin with explanations of how social, political and economic conditions allowed organised crime to develop and discuss the links with White Collar and Corporate Crime.

Children as Victims and Offenders
(30 Credits)
- Optional

This module examines and critically appraises the issue of children as victims and offenders. It explores the functions, roles and responsibilities of a variety of agencies whose task is to protect children and to work with those in trouble with the law, and enables students to develop a critical understanding of the issues underpinning policy and practice in these fields with particular attention to the importance of and problems associated with multi-agency working. The first part of the module focuses on children as victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse noting the relatively recent discovery of these crimes, examining the high profile cases and enquiries which have accompanied this process and explaining current legislation relating to and the organisation of child protection in England and Wales. The second part of the module turns to how the criminal justice system regards and deals with young people if they break the law. It provides students with a detailed knowledge of how Youth Offending Teams YOT s are structured and operate and contains a strong practice focus. Many students wish to move on to working with young people in the criminal justice system on graduation and the module is designed to acquaint them with the knowledge and skills required in this field.

Gangs and Group Offending
(30 Credits)
- Optional

This module critically examines the concepts of serious group offending and in particular the growing phenomenon of gangs. The existence and prevalence of gangs is contested academically and by practitioners. The module will consider classic and contemporary theories as to why gangs form and thrive in places; the challenges of defining gangs as opposed to street cultures and peer groups will be considered. Issues such as risks and motivations for joining, membership, behaviours, territoriality, recruitment, levels of violence, criminal activity, gender, links to organised crime, deprivation and globalisation are all pertinent topics addressed in the module. Key issues are identified and critically reviewed such as divergent experiences between the USA and the UK, race, gender, and partner/agency involvement. The module takes a left realist approach notably in consideration of recent police and practitioner strategies and initiatives under development regarding desistance, prevention and intervention models.

Justice, Punishment and Human Rights
(30 Credits)
- Optional

The objective of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the complex function of punishment as a practice and institution. More specifically, it aims a to create a critical awareness of the influence of country specific values and circumstances as well as of global developments on the formulation of criminal justice, its responses to crime, deviance and public insecurity, on its modes of punishment and their utility, and b to foster an appreciation of the human rights issues that different punishment measures and criminal justice responses can give rise to.

Environmental Justice and Green Criminology
(30 Credits)
- Optional

The module investigates perspectives on green criminology, and crimes against the environment and animals. It considers environmental and green offending, the regulation of environmental problems, and global perspectives on green crimes and crimes affecting ecosystems. It introduces students to ideas in green criminology, particularly theoretical debates on animal rights and the legal personhood of animals, and the prosecution of environmental crime. The module also examines the link between violence towards animals and violence towards humans and the extent to which animal abuse might be seen as an indicator of future violent offending or anti-social behaviour. The module develops an understanding of theoretical concepts and practical considerations in environmental justice, the enforcement of environmental and species legislation and the application of a green perspective to criminal justice.

Teaching

Teaching and learning

You will attend lectures, workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials, and will work on weekly assignments, practical exercises and presentations. You will supplement all this with your own independent study, and will do a dissertation in your final year.

You can opt to extend the course by a year, and spend the third year doing a paid work placement, which we will help you to find. This could be in a prison, a local authority, a research institution or even with the Home Office. We also offer a Special Constabulary module.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree. For more information see our Law and Social Sciences foundation page.

Our entry requirements are displayed as grades. Please use the UCAS calculator to find out the equivalent tariff points.

Eligibility

UK/EU and International students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University qualification. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above qualifications from a recognised overseas qualification. To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant Support in your country page.

If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components). Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted English tests and qualifications. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive Pre-sessional English course.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, entrance test, portfolio or audition.

Careers

Employability

Employment rate of this course

Average starting salary

What are the career options with a degree in Criminology (Policing)?

Our degree is an excellent foundation for a career within the police force or the wider criminal justice system. While a degree in criminology will ordinarily lead to employment within the general field of criminal justice, the skills of data research, critical analysis, oral, written and visual communication, reasoned debate, understanding theoretical concepts, and policy analysis can be transferred to many other areas of employment.

Placements

The professional links that many of our academic staff have means that we are able to provide access to placement opportunities across many of the public and voluntary crime agencies. We also maintain long establish links with universities in Belgium, Holland, Greece, Portugal, Germany and the USA and offer many opportunities to study abroad.

Why industry links can support academics success:

Dr Robin Fletcher has developed close links with the Metropolitan Police Crime Academy at Hendon, formally the MPS Detective Training School. The most senior homicide detectives have enrolled onto a validated postgraduate work based learning course. This new course has allowed senior police officers to gain academic merit from skills developed in the work place.

Profiles

What our students say:

"Not only does the course explore the subjects of policing, criminal justice and punishment, but it also explores the broader concept of sociology and the sociological aspects of crime and deviance. Although I personally found the Policing modules the most enjoyable, it was the broader subjects, such as sociology, that provided me with a real contemporary understanding."

"I particularly enjoyed working closely with the academics who have an extraordinary knowledge and previous applied experiences that allow you to gain a great insight into the areas of criminology that they have personally explored."